1970s Jean Muir Belted Skirt Suit
View Similar Items
1970s Jean Muir Belted Skirt Suit
About the Item
Jean Muir
With simple, classic designs, Jean Muir became known as the doyenne of British fashion, counting such luminaries as Princess Alexandra, Glenda Jackson and Lauren Bacall as clients. Similar to Diane von Furstenberg and her signature wrap dresses, Muir was most famous for the matte jersey dresses she initially designed for herself. Born in London, she got her fashion start at the age of 11 when she began designing her own clothing. Muir’s popular vintage dresses and gowns boast small shoulders, a slightly raised waist and a sheath-like skirt, perfect for someone with a petite frame like her own. In fact, Muir tried on every dress before it went into production.
The Jean Muir look — pared down, elegant and timeless — earned the designer an over 40-year-long career, which started in the stockroom at London’s famous Liberty luxury department store. Shortly after her stint in sorting inventory, she became a sketcher in the store’s made-to-measure department. After working as a designer for Jaeger, she was hired by dress manufacturer David Barnes in 1962. There, her jersey designs were so popular she was given her own label: Jane & Jane. She soon caught the attention of a buyer who brought her to Henri Bendel, where her career soared. Just four years after joining Jane & Jane, she started Jean Muir Ltd. with her husband, Harry Leuckert, a German actor.
During her long career, Muir never strayed from her signature long, fluid lines and feminine silhouettes that were especially flattering when the wearer moved. The jersey gave the dresses an architectural appearance and a flexibility in the designs as, unlike silk, the material doesn’t have to be hand-sewn or lined, nor do the edges need to be lined up and bound together to appear neat. Muir was particularly drawn to the simplicity of navy and black fabric, with topstitching giving even the most minimal styles some flair. Although jersey dominated her looks, she also worked with her team of expert craftspeople to punch patterns in suede, create draped textures with leather, tailor wool crepe, paint patterns on cashmere and stitch dramatic layers of tiered silk.
After her death, Muir’s team continued creating her beloved day dresses and evening gowns for another 12 years, carrying on her legacy. In 2007, the label closed, although the vintage dresses are enduringly popular with those seeking refinement and elegance in modern designs.
Find a collection of Jean Muir evening dresses, suits, jackets and other garments on 1stDibs.
- Christian Dior 1950s Dress and JacketBy Christian DiorLocated in Water Mill, NYA rare 2 piece black wool dress and jacket set from the early collections of Christian Dior designed by the master himself. The dress is sleeveless with a crew neckline, a seam belo...Category
1960s French Dress and Coat Ensembles
- Herve Leger New Navy Wrap Dress 1990sBy Herve LégerLocated in Water Mill, NYA great off white striped navy blue wool dress from Herve Leger. The semi fitted wrap style dress has a breast pocket, peaked lapels and a double vent on top of a single vent in the...Category
1990s French Day Dresses
- Alexander McQueen New S/S 2002 Three Piece Skirt Suit with Intricate EmbroideryBy Alexander McQueenLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous silk/linen black skirt suit from Alexander McQueen including an additional matching white skirt. The jacket has peak lapels, a breast pocket, small shoulder padding, side...Category
Early 2000s Italian Skirt Suits
- Moschino Color Block Linen Skirt and T Shirt Set with Italian WordsBy Moschino, Moschino Cheap and ChicLocated in Water Mill, NYA great 2 piece set from Moschino in black cotton and beige linen. The t shirt has a V beige bound neckline, short sleeves and a hand stitched breast pocket. There are white lines ...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
$395 Sale Price41% Off - Moschino Letter Applique Skirt SuitBy Moschino, Moschino Cheap and ChicLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous skirt suit from Moschino in black and white. The blazer style jacket is semi fitted with rounded lapels and closing with 3 self covered ...Category
1990s Italian Skirt Suits
- Moschino Couture Color Block Letter Dress and JacketBy Moschino CoutureLocated in Water Mill, NYA fabulous dress and jacket set from Moschino Couture in black highlighted with off white silk appliqued lettering and graphics. The dress is a simple sleeveless shift with a crew ne...Category
1990s Italian Dress and Coat Ensembles
- YVES SAINT LAURENT BY TOM FORD S/S 2002 Runway Sheer Silk Two-PieceBy Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent, Yves Saint LaurentLocated in Berlin, BEThis leopard print two piece was the opening look for Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring Summer 2002 Rive Gauche collection by Tom Ford. This elegant two-piece consists of a high waisted silk pencil skirt and a zip up sleeveless silk top in a classic leopard print. This safari inspired set features beautiful details such as the YSL logo on the right side of the front of the bodice, and also embossed on the zipper. The bodice features a deep V neckline, multiple pockets on the front and drawstrings at the sides, the back features a transparent panel...Category
Early 2000s French Twin Sets
- Salvatore Ferragamo Black Viscose Long Cocktail Suit Dress 1990sBy FerragamoLocated in Brindisi, BtSalvatore Ferragamo vintage 90s woman dress. Suit consisting of dress long with vest. Dress with gold-colored button closure, without sleeves. 100% viscose. Color black. Made in Ital...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Salvatore Ferragamo Black Cocktail Suit Dress 1990sBy FerragamoLocated in Brindisi, BtSalvatore Ferragamo vintage 90s woman dress. Suit consisting of dress long with vest. Dress with gold-colored button closure, without sleeves. 100% viscose. Color black. Made in Ital...Category
1990s Italian Cocktail Dresses
- Style Avant Blu white pois Dress jumpsuitLocated in Capri, ITStyle Avant Blu white pois Dress jumpsuit Totally made in italy in size L Composition: viscoseCategory
1980s Italian Day Dresses
- Vicky Tiel Peplum Top & Skirt Dress / Suit in Yellow & Black Abstract Silk PrintBy Vicky TielLocated in Portland, ORThis is a vintage Vicky Tiel Couture silk skirt suit originally purchased at Bergdorf Goodman in the 1980's. This lovely suit looks like a dress when worn. The outfit is in a 100% si...Category
1980s French Day Dresses
- Louis Feraud Vintage Navy Polka Dot Peplum Top Pencil Skirt & Blazer Jacket SuitBy Louis FeraudLocated in Portland, ORThis is a vintage Louis Feraud 3 piece navy blue and white polka dot rayon skirt , top and jacket suit. Louis Feraud pieces are always beautifully made and we always love finding the...Category
1980s German Skirt Suits